Rating of
3.5/4
Les Misérables review
Daniel Corleone - wrote on 01/28/13
Good mix of drama, action, humor and of course, superb singing. Evidently one man's commitment and sacrifice in exhibiting the performance of a lifetime, that person in the name of Hugh Jackman who carried this film. It was laughable seeing Crowe sing compared to previous gritty roles. The strength of the picture relies on the spotless cast that provided ample support. Convict Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman) was released by Javert (Russell Crowe). After several years that pass, Jean encounters one of his former employees Montreuil-sur-Mer. Fantine (Anne Hathaway) that would change his life. Cosette (Isabelle Allen) is cared by Jean. Marius Pontmercy (Eddie Redmayne) falls for a mature Cosette.
Four characters stood-out in this critic's opinion: Éponine (Samantha Barks) who was efficient with her portrayal of love unfulfilled, Jean which shows redemption/father figure/faith and Thénardiers (Helena Bonham Carter and Sacha Baron Cohen) who were fantastic in bringing the "comic-relief" roles coupled with thievery. Sets were elegant, direction was detailed, soundtrack of course timeless and screenplay wonderful. Best lines: "Pain goes on and on." "Tomorrow comes." and "But remember this, my brother. See in this some higher plan." Only minor qualm this reviewer had was the pace and loaded characters. As mentioned before countless times for this critics' lack of enthusiasm, 3 Idiots (not entirely a musical) and Singin' in the Rain are still tops in the genre in terms of pacing and entertainment re-watchability value. Still, Les Miserables is one of the best films of the year that cleverly touches on religion, friendship, love, politics, mistreatment of women, persistence in one's job, self-change and crime. it would be a crime not to give Jackman a gold statue and Samantha Barks will continue to have more meaty roles in this raters opinion.
